Il Pescatore — Restaurant in England

Visiting Southend-on-Sea for a theatre show, having lived there previously I was excited as I always rate the food scene in the area. Wanting to try somewhere different I asked a friend of mine from the area where they would recommend eating and they gave a list of options with Il Pescatore as one of those.

I looked online and the place looked good, cute and quaint and knowing my partner loves Italian food thought let's give it a go.

Well this recommendation was absolutely spot on! I can't believe i didnt knokw about this place when i lived locally.

First of all you step intok a restaurant that makes you feel like you've stepped off the streets of Essex into Italy itself, the setting is intimate, and quaint with a real rustic family run feel.

We had booked which I'm pleased we did as the restaurant is faily small however this really adds to the charm and wouldn't want the restaurant any bigger as otherwise it may lose some of this.

We had a lovely waiter who sat us and spoke about the menu which was great to see this care taken. Whilst trying to decide we took several moments as the waiter was passing by to ask questions and recommendation on the menu and the waiter happily answered all of these with a real care which is unfortunately hard to come by these days.

What was great was from our table I could see into the kitchen and able to see them taken fresh dough and kneeding it into shape with care to create some amazing looking pizza's with a smell that filled the restaurant. Equally knowing if the pizza's are this fresh then I imagine the pasta to be also I was torn in what to order. To save having to make that biggest decision of all we opted to forgo starters and ordered a pasta dish each and a pizza to share between us which I would deffinately recommend to anyone to do as it gives you the chance to sample the best of both.

Now onto the important part, well the food was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! I rarely say this about food in restaurants in the UK these days, but the food blew me away! This place is a true hidden gem and one not to be missed when in the area. If I lived closer, I would be eating here every chance I could. The food was fresh, with a gorgeous smell filling the restaurant and I didn't want the meal to end.

We didn't order dessert so can't comment on that however we did look over the menu and it didn't seem to have the same jazz and appeal of the main menu, so maybe a refresh of the dessert options would be my only improvement feedback to offer. We did however finish our meal with coffee which I would rate as good but this could and should be improved considering gorgeous Italian coffee's on offer, however these are small things as the restaurant truly delivers exactly where it needs to.......the food!

What an incredible...

Title: A Taste of Italy at Il Pescatore: An Authentic Culinary Journey

Il Pescatore transports diners to the heart of Italy with its authentic cuisine and charming ambiance. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared Italian dishes and the warm welcome of the staff.

The menu at Il Pescatore is a celebration of Italian flavors, offering a diverse selection of traditional dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or linguine alle vongole, or craving something from the sea such as grilled branzino or seafood risotto, there's something to satisfy every palate.

One of the standout features of Il Pescatore is the attention to detail in every dish. Each plate is meticulously crafted with care, ensuring that every bite is a culinary delight. The flavors are authentic and reminiscent of homemade Italian cooking, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Rome or the picturesque coast of Amalfi.

The ambiance at Il Pescatore is equally inviting, with its cozy interior and rustic decor. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner for two or gathering with friends and family, the atmosphere is perfect for any occasion. The attentive staff adds to the overall experience, providing friendly and knowledgeable service throughout the meal.

In addition to its exceptional food and atmosphere, Il Pescatore also offers an extensive wine list featuring a selection of Italian wines to complement your meal perfectly. From bold reds to crisp whites, there's a wine to suit every taste and preference.

Overall, dining at Il Pescatore is a true culinary experience that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With its authentic flavors, inviting ambiance, and impeccable service, it's no wonder why this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned Italian food enthusiast or simply looking to explore new flavors, Il Pescatore is a must-visit destination for anyone craving a...

Awful experience this evening. My husband booked a table for Valentine’s Day. We live over 30 mins away so he didn’t pay a deposit as they only took cash, from the minute we walked in, the waiter made a big deal about not paying a deposit for no reason at all, embarrassing us in front of other diners. There was a set menu which we were not told about (along with both tables either side of us) and not one pasta dish available. The waiter was rude when I asked what sides came with 2 of the dishes and when asked if we could swap a side, the manager came over to abruptly and rudely tell us no changes. This wasn’t a problem but could’ve been handled without the attitude. The food was awful. Both of us ordered lamb shank and it was slimy and gritty, served on mash with no vegetables or accompaniments. Half way through the main course we upped and left because it was that bad. I have never done that in my life. We were charged £80 for uneaten food with no apology. I understand set menus on busy days but there is no excuse for that standard of food on any day. The couple next to us left before ordering and asked for their deposit back having seen our food arrive and I wish that we had done the same. I am not one to ever complain but this really was the worst dining experience and...